Eight new restaurants in Lakeview this summer
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Cold sesame noodles from Konbini & Kanpai in Wrigleyville. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Cubs fans may be mourning in Lakeview this summer, but food fans are celebrating an abundance of new spots, including fresh locations of local faves.
Here's a selection:
Konbini & Kanpai Wrigleyville: Those who dig the original Belmont location of this craft sake shop will love this new sister spot that adds food and indoor-outdoor dining areas — just two doors from the Nisei Lounge.
Dig in: Find sake, wine and Asian beer with pork katsu bowls ($12), crab rangoon dip ($7), sesame noodles ($5), egg salad sandos ($11) and fried chicken ($7).
What they're saying: "Later I also want to sell stuff like a teriyaki burger that you buy from our takeout window and bring to Wrigley Field," co-owner Jun-Jun Vichaikul told Axios on a recent visit.
Istmo Oaxacan Cuisine: Oaxaca, Mexico, native Carlos Lopez Muñoz, who has worked with chefs Carlo Gaytan and Rick Bayless, offers an upscale Mexican breakfast experience at this spot on Clark in the old Kanela space.
Dig in: We tried the Oaxacan breakfast ($18), featuring beans, green chorizo (made with spinach and jalapeño) and seared cheese; the red chilaquiles ($17) with two eggs; and our favorite, the custardy nicoatole ($7) topped with a crisp flower shaped buñuelo.
What they're saying: "These breakfasts were inspired by the simple ingredients we had when I was growing up in Oaxaca," Lopez Muñoz tells Axios. "And the nicoatole is my dad's favorite dessert. He always got two from the street vendor."
- Expect an added dinner service in September.
Seoul Taco on Belmont: This latest location of the Midwest chain opened in the old Big & Little's spot on Belmont featuring their signature Korean barbecue in burritos, bowls and tacos, as well as a beer and soju selection.
Noori Chicken: On Clark near Belmont, this first Chicago location of a Michigan chain cooks up crackly Korean fried chicken topped with creamy sauces, cheesy powder and fiery sweet glazes as well as kimbap burritos ($13.99) and kimchi fried rice ($13.99).
Jennivee's Bakery & Cafe: This second neighborhood location is on Halsted near George, serving up gorgeous Filipino-inspired chiffon cakes, cookies and cupcakes, including the stunning purple ube fan fave.
Steingold's Bagels & Nosh: The artisan deli is on its third location, this time right across from Wrigley Field on Clark with Steingold's signature housemade bagels, schmears and matzo ball soup.
Cebu Chicago: This fun Filipino eatery recently moved from North Avenue to a Lincoln Avenue storefront, where it serves up short rib tapsilog ($29), tocino breakfast burritos ($15), ube mango waffles ($12) and more.
Big Gay Sal's Pizza: This new North Halsted pizzeria offers a full bar, bumpin' dance music and decent slices ($5.99), but the big draw comes from the addictive Jersey-style pork roll sandwich ($9.95).